What about those
Black Flies and other Flying Pests I have heard about:

Black Flies are the unofficial
Maine State bird - according to Maine Humorist, Tim
Sample. Knowing how to cope with them will make your visit to Maine
much more enjoyable. Insects can provide a challenge for even the most
perfectly planned weekend outing.

Black Fly season lasts, on
average, from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July. The season will start
earlier in some parts of the state, especially southern Maine, and end
later in northern Maine. Black flies are mostly found in wooded, wet
areas with with large amounts of standing water. Summer breezes are
your best insect repellent as the flies like hot calm days.

Black fly likes to crawl
on you before it bites and can leave a bite that iches and swells. While
some people may have quite a reaction to them - the bites are more annoying
than harmful.

The best way to prepare for
them is to dress in long sleeves and pants. Tuck your pants leg into
your socks so the black flys do not crawl up your legs and put a rubber
band around your shirt sleeve. Put a bandana around your neck to prevent
them from crawling down your shirt. The less skin exposed the better
off you are. Bug netting is also a good defense if you plan on spending
long periods of time in wooded, wet areas.

Bugs on average will not
bother you when you are hiking. They will become a nuisance when you
stop. If you do wear shorts be sure to have long pants close by when
you stop. If you decide to wear long pants and shirts when you hike
be sure to wear comfortable clothes that breathe. Cotton is an ideal
fabric for that.

Mosquitoes and minges (no-see-ums)
are not as relentless as the black fly but can leave just as nasty a
bite. These insects also go after exposed skin. Insect repellents work
well.

If you must use an insect
repellent - try to use a product that contains more than 80% DEET. Be
sure to follow the products directions carefully. Products that
contain 90+ % of DEET are desirable. Typically, DEET SHOULD NOT be applied
directly to the skin. And remember, a small amount goes a long way.

Also be sure to have a tent
that has proper netting and all the zippers work. Tents should have
"no-see-um" netting.

The staff
of maineoutdoors.com does not take responsibility for the number of
bug bites you recieve while you are visiting Maine.